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A Massachusetts police sergeant recently hosted a Super Bowl watch party for a young Eagles fan preparing for a surgery to remove a brain tumor at a hospital in Boston.
High school freshman Geno LaMonaca is a huge Eagles fan. He was scheduled for surgery on February 13 at Boston Children’s Hospital to remove a brain tumor, but the day before that, he got to watch the Super Bowl with a supportive crowd.
Peabody Police Sergeant Jim Harkins hosted the party at the Boston Marriot hotel.
“Boston is known for being supportive of their own, same thing with Philadelphia, it’s just great to be able to show him some brotherly love even though he’s not in Philly,” Sergeant Harkins said.
LaMonaca, 15, is a Pennsylvania native. He did not expect the support from the Peabody community.
“This is actually awesome because I think all we were doing tonight was just going to watch in the hotel room by ourselves but to be here is pretty nice,” LaMonaca said.
LaMonaca’s mom initially made a Facebook post asking local Eagles fans for a place to watch the game.
The post caught the sheriff’s eye, and he decided to rent the hotel space and invite local football fans. He even set up a raffle to cover costs.
“It’s truly awesome, just seeing the smile on his face every time somebody comes up and wishes him well,” Harkins said.
14-year-old Olivia Silva, who was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was two years old, also attended the event with her mom to wish LaMonaca good luck.
Although the Eagles didn’t end up winning the Super Bowl, the teen was still grateful Harkins’ help.
“The grace he’s showing going through such a rough situation, it’s an inspiration, it truly is,” Harkins added.
In addition to raising $4,000 for LaMonaca and his family, police also surprised the family with Eagles tickets for next season.
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